Michaele Camp's Blog

Organizing for Change: Helping Homeless Vets

Michaele — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:35:43 EST

For all of the Obama supporters who met after the election and decided to help homeless veterans, we had a great day on Friday as the Standown event hosted by Barb Sesate kicked off. We have Obama volunteers working today and tomorrow, too.

I participated for the first time and would highly recommend this as a volunteer experience. The event organizers provided excellent training for first-time volunteers. The event logistics were great in that Veterans Memorial Coliseum was set up to welcome and process hundreds of veterans.

If you are not yet involved with our group's community service projects, please join us. If you have another project in mind that our group could do, please post of this blog or create the event and invite our group to participate.

Why Barack will Win

Michaele — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:17:20 EST

I got a phone call very early this morning from my nephew in Delaware. He called to tell me that his wife was in the delivery room about to give birth to their daughter. He put his wife on the phone so she could tell me that she had already voted for Barack because she did not want the arrival of their second child to keep her from being able to vote. She was as excited about the possibility of an Obama presidency as she was about the pending arrival of her second child.

This is a exciting time for all of us as we push to deliver an Obama victory. We are hours away from giving America a new direction that will change the world. The Get Out the Vote efforts are very important so I am glad that we will be working together for victory on election day.

Getting to Know John McCain

Michaele — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:57:09 EDT

This week marked a turning point in the McCain Camp's tactics--swift boat, baby swift boat. I decided that I need to know more about our Arizona Senator so that I could easily compare the both candidates. In conversations with my Republican neighbors, I wanted to make sure that I stuck to the facts. Here is one article that I found enlightening.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain/page/2

Chandler Sun Lakes Dems Write Post Cards for Obama

Michaele — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:01:24 EDT

The Sun Lakes-Chandler Democratic Club members got fired up and ready to go this month. This group of retirees wanted to do something to support Barack. They decided to join the National Woman to Woman Post Card project that Lynn Branco started in Ohio during the primary election. Lynn is now hosting this nationwide project for the Obama campaign for the General Election and has more than 300 people signed up to write post cards for Obama.

The club sent members an email explaining the project and the response was great. Jan Bobbett is leading the project with Sun Lakes by collecting all of the finished post cards.

What makes this campaign great is all of the people to step up and do something every day to elect Barack Obama. Phone calls from home, volunteering at a local office, knocking on doors, writing post cards all add up to a huge voter outreach effort.

Phoenix Office Now Open

Michaele — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:35:43 EDT

The crowds gathered on Wednesday afternoon to enjoy some jazz, mingle with old friends and meet new supporters at Governor Janet Napolitano officially opened the Phoenix Office for Barack Obama. The little house on the corner of 6th and Roosevelt overflowed with enthusiastic Arizonans lining up to volunteer to get Barack elected in November.

For Chandler-Sun Lakes volunteers, this is a quick ride because the office at 922 6th Avenue is just a few block from 1-10. I took the 7th Street exit, turned left on 7th St, then right on Roosevelt and the house was easy to spot on the left side of the street. The front of the building has some unusual iron work but the staff is hanging banners and posters to dress it up.

One of the most frequently asked questions in this group is about the availability of yard signs. They are not available yet. The Office will begin stocking them soon.

Let's support the team at the Phoenix Office by volunteering to phone bank and canvass as the opportunities come up.

How we Can Help Barack

Michaele — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:19:22 EDT

The positive wave of change is building in these last days of voter registration and voter persuasion. For those of us who are ready to push Barack over the top in Arizona. our voter registration efforts are important. We must register new voters prior to October 4 in order for them to be able to vote for Barack.

We can write to the editors of Arizona newspapers about the reasons why we know that Barack Obama is good for America. The more letters we write, the better the chance that a few will end up in print. No need to slam to opposition in our letters.

I am also asking this group to join the Postcards project. We did this during the primary to help Barack in Ohio. It was fun to get together and write postcards for Obama.

The Perfect Storm is Brewing

Michaele — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:55:56 EDT

Now as the Republicans prepare for their convention, we have a storm that may be as strong as Katrina, heading for our Gulf Coast again. It may hit as George Bush and Dick Cheney prepare to pat themselves on the back just like the did "Brownie". For the sake of the residents of the Gulf Coast, we hope that this administration has reformed FEMA and that state and local emergency responders have been properly equipped and trained to save lives.

If there is a bigger example of why we can not have four more years of Bush domestic policies, Katrina is our poster child. I never want to see the images of the Katrina aftermath again. I never want to show the rest of the world pictures of poor Americans starving and dying on a city street.

The Obama/Biden Presidency is part of the solution. President Obama and Joe Biden will surround themselves with competent cabinet leaders who will get results for the ordinary person.

We are watching a perfect storm sweep the Republican Party from the White House, the Congress and from the State Legislatures.

Harry Mitchell Talks About Change

Michaele — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:41:38 EDT

For the first time in many years, Democrats in Maricopa County are aggressively working for change at all levels of government.

On Wednesday morning, Congressman Harry Mitchell spoke at the Dems & Donuts meeting in LD20 and expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of grass roots volunteers. Harry gave us an overview of how difficult it is to get good legislation passed without it getting either killed by the Senate or vetoed by Bush. He asked us to step up our efforts to get Barack in the White House as well as to send as many Democrats to the House in 2008 as possible. He told the grass roots group that Arizona is ready to vote for change and that the nation understands that change must come in 2008.

Harry told us that he will be attending his first Democratic Convention when he goes to Denver next week. Congressman Mitchell is an awesome reason why Arizona will vote for change in 2008.

Unfit for Publication

Michaele — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:05:28 EDT

Yesterday I downloaded and printed "Unfit for Publication" so I could be prepared to respond to those who might have read the Jerome Corsi book.

First, the Obama campaign team did a great job of getting the rebuttal out to the press before Corsi could claim legitimacy. His book is pure fiction, unresearched and poorly constructed. The forty-one page document was easy to read and understand.

Second, the MSM have been unable to push the errors as truth because "Unfit for Publication" calls the smears outright lies. I am glad that there is no polite tiptoeing around--a lie is called a lie.

Finally, the fact that Jerome Corsi can make millions from this kind of trash presents a sad commentary on the state of our elections. Swift boating had become so common that it has been accepted by the media as part of the game of politics.

Let's keep debunking the smears, writing letters to the editors of our local news papers and making sure that truth gets heard.

Prayers to Bernie Mac's Family

Michaele — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 10:51:52 EDT

God puts angels in our path so that we might have an abundant life. Bernie Mac gave us laughter in great abundance. My heart was gladdened by the talent of this one man who gave us reason to enjoy the lighter side of life.

May his family be blessed with comforting words today as Bernie Mac rests in peace.

Support for Phil Hettmansperger Door to Door

Michaele — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:47:57 EDT

Most of the members of the Chandler-Sun Lakes for Obama group live in Legislative District 21. We do have some members in LD20 and LD22.

Phil Hettmansperger is the Democratic candidate running for the Arizona State House of Representatives. Phil has been to a number of our Meet and Greets and has been an active supporter of Barack Obama.

Phil needs our help to knock on doors in LD21. I hope that the Obama volunteers will be able to make a difference in our local neighborhoods by supporting Phil.

Please grab some friends and come out to canvass for Phil on Sunday. Also, be sure to invite Phil to your house parties and other events so that he can meet you and other Obama volunteers. Phil needs the same Independent voters that Barack will need on November 4 so let's work together.

We Will Close the Deal in November

Michaele — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:42:43 EDT

Every morning I turn to Morning Joe, before I even get out of bed. There is no better motivator to ensure that I do at least one thing each day to help elect Barack Obama.

Today it was the insane discussion of the Gallup poll numbers. The talking heads were spewing forth nonsense about what the polls means in terms of Barack's "inability to close the deal"

We kept hearing that term all through the primaries. Barack was unable to close the deal with women voters, then he was unable to close the deal with White voters, then he was unable to close the deal with Hispanic voters. After the primary victory, these same talking heads opined that Barack was unable to close the deal with Hillary supporters.

The cable media guys need to sing a new song. While they are repeating those tired old phrases, the Obama ground game is getting up and running I am so glad to know that we have so many office in Florida and Michigan, now. The Georgia and North Carolina Offices are reporting great results.

Here is Arizona, we have held dozens of platform meetings and we are going to host dozens of Birthday Parties for Barack next week.

Arizona, home to Senator John McCain, is a swing state thanks to the groundswell of support Barack has in our state.

So every morning, I listen to the nonsense on MSNBC and log onto MYBO to have a morning coffee chat with the grassroots supporters who will close the deal in November.

If you have not signed up for a Barack Birthday Party near you, please do so today. If the nearest one is not within 10 miles, you can host your own.

What the World Wants Now

Michaele — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:15:29 EDT

This week has been one of the best in the long march to the White House. Watching more than 200,000 people come to hear Barack in Berlin, affirmed by belief in the kind of change the world wants. The world wants to end the Bush era that put America's weaker side on display.

Nations driven by fear are weak. Nations that stand on principle are strong.

Leaders who summon up our deepest fears, leave us angry while those who call on our better instincts empower us to act.

The world needs leaders who empower change and nations strong enough to act together to preserve the principles of liberty.

The world wants America to stand with Barack to inspire the next generation of world leaders.

Foreign Policy for the 21st Century

Michaele — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:20:38 EDT

What strikes me about this broad outline of why America needs a rational policy, based on the principles that drove the Marshall Plan, is that the rest of the world can understand it.

The Marshall Plan was understood all over the world when it was proposed after World War II. The people of Japan, Germany and Italy who had fought against America got a different view of who the American people were and why our democracy had grown to be a beacon to the rest of the world.

The governments promoting communism understood that the Marshall Plan would spread democracy would compete against communism for ideological dominance. The world understood that the Marshall Plan was more than just a series of tactics, it was a broad statement of what the world could be under the leadership of the United States.

Now the world listened to Barack Obama today, even if Americans were distracted by the ups and downs of a political race for the White House. While the myopic news pundits parse each statement and put it into a left, right, center bucket, the international community will simply digest it and come to understand what Barack Obama's administration would do that is different from what America has done for the past seven years.

So turn off your TV if you must. Imagine that you are a fly on the wall in a distant world capital like Baghdad, Tehran, Moscow, Berlin or Paris. The world leaders across the globe are not talking about political buckets and electoral votes. They are not concerned about red states and blue states. They do not care what Fox News commentators or talking heads on Hardball have to say today. They are digesting the words spoken by Senator Barack Obama.

I can imagine that the people all over the world--those who have wondered why America elected a president who lacked the intellectual curiosity to learn more about them--have heard a refreshing new voice.

They may not agree with every word, just as Americans will not agree with every idea put forth today, but they understand America as it can be in the 21st Century. They see the hope that drives the Obama candidacy through a clear lens.

If only half of this country has yet to be convinced, Senator Barack Obama has come a long way in the past year. The world is ahead of the US in its understanding of Barack so American voters will have to catch up before November.

Beam Me Up Scotty

Michaele — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:48:14 EDT

I have been tuning in to the Scott McClellan coverage on MSNBC and could not help but write a few thoughts about the Bush White House.

The so called "permanent campaign" is what makes Washington so ineffective. When George Bush's staff and the heads of the government agencies focused on giving him a second term, America lost its direction. Public servants became hostages to the political process and the work of the people took a back seat. That's why 2008 is about change.

This began, in my opinion, during the Clinton White House battles with the "vast right-wing conspiracy". Battle lines were drawn and politics trumped the needs of the country. The President was forced to fight along hyper-partisan lines just to remain in power.

In November, we can cast aside all of the old battles that have consumed Washington for two decades by electing Senator Obama. Those Republicans who are disgusted with the Bush administration's politicalization of the DOJ, FDA, FEMA and other agencies will join in the outcry for change.

That's why so many Obama supporters are working in all 50-states to reach out to Independents and Republicans who are ready for change.

This bodes well for Democrats running in red and purple states. Senator Obama will need change agents in both houses of Congress on both sides of the aisle, to move the American agenda ahead. We have proven, to this point, that ordinary people can spread a message of hope and change to those who have grown cynical.

We started in Feb. 2007 to share our stories, express our beliefs and form a movement for change. I remember when our numbers were small but our energy was great. Along the way, one person added another person and we grew into a unified voice for change.

This had been a long journey and it is not over. We have to tell our stories to those who currently support Hillary Clinton. We have to respect them in the same way that we have come to respect each other. I look forward to having a unified campaign to change politics in Washington.

We can not wait through four more years of Republican party politics. Our nation deserves better. Scott McClellan found his soul. Now we need to ask other Republicans to find theirs.

Memorial Day Tribute to My Dad

Michaele — Mon, 26 May 2008 08:49:39 EDT

There is not greater calling than that of a soldier. I know, I had a special hero in my life for almost 60 years. He was my Dad.

Today, he and the countless veterans of foreign wars are honored in Arlington National Cemetery. They were ordinary men and women who fought America's conflicts and prayed for peace, democracy around the world.

When we began this campaign, my Dad was excited about Senator Barack Obama and we talked about him often. My Dad admired the character of his new-found hero. An honest man, full of love for his country, compassion for all people and a calling to serve those who had no voice in the world. My Dad saw in Barack Obama a new hope for America and a new vision for the world.

A veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, sleeps on hallowed ground. He spent his memorial days saluting all those who had served and all of the men and women who remained on the battlefields.

Here's a salute to the men and women of America who are serving this great nation. We love each and every one of you. May God be with you and your family on this special day.

Voter Registration Kick Off A Success

Michaele — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:34:51 EDT

More than 100 volunteers gathered on Saturday at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler to begin our six-month push to change the electorate in Arizona. Many came from more than 20 miles away to canvass local precincts in west Chandler, part of Congressional District 5 represented by Freshman Congressman Harry Mitchell. Mitchell gave his super delegate vote to Barack this weekend.

Our big push, to get voters to sign up for permanent early voting is aimed at improving voter participation in November. We were reminded that those who vote by mail in Arizona avoid long lines at the polls. Because there are often a long list of ballot initiatives on the general election ballot and several important state-wide and country races, the vote by mail option is popular with voters.

The Chandler volunteers heard from a number of Maricopa County candidates and a Democrat who is running to represent Legislative District 20 in the Arizona House.

Organizers of the event will be announcing other voter registration events in Arizona for the next six months.

Please check this web site often and sign up for events in Arizona so that we can get a high turn out of voters in November. This will not only help Barack but it will help Democrats who are running for state-wide offices, the AZ Senate and House and country offices.

May 10 Event in Chandler,AZ

Michaele — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:18:41 EDT

We are fired up and ready to canvass as part of the national voter registration drive.

If you have not yet been contacted, please sign up now.

RSVP to Donna Gratehouse at 602 770-4754 or send her an email at donnagratehouse@yahoo.com.

We will meet at 9:15 a.m. at desert Breeze Park, 251 N. Desert Breeze Blvd W. in Chandler. This is just north of the Desert Breeze Police Substation just off Chandler Blvd.

Hope to see you there in your Obama gear.

PA Debate Demonstrates Need for Change

Michaele — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:09:07 EDT

After after 10 minutes, I turned off the ABC debate. Now from what I am reading today, I spared myself the spectacle of ABC's shameful excuse for a newsworthy political dialogue on the most pressing issues of the century.

I called ABC, sent a comment through the network's website and let my opinion on a couple of blogs about this fiasco. What a lost opportunity for voters in the upcoming primary states, to learn about how each candidate stands on the issues.

So I made another contribution to this campaign this morning as a matching pledge for a new donor who may have seen the debate and been driven to help us defeat such negative discussions about Barack Obama. Truth is, he was beaten up with vague associations to people who most people do not even know. Sorry, but I did not even know who William Ayers was and I am old enough to recall the anti-war demonstrations of the 70s. Most Americans don't hold onto information that is that irrelevant.

I do know that more than 4,000 brave young men and women have lost their lives in Iraq and many more will die in the violence ahead, if we do not find a way to end the Bush-era concept of pre-emptive war. We seem to have learned none of the lessons of the 70's.

I am not concerned about a moment of frustration voiced by Rev. Wright but I do care that our nation is on the wrong track as 81 percent of America believes. I do not question what being patriotic means because I don't wear a flag pin in fear of what might be thought. Symbols and labels are easy to display, but the courage to speak for millions of hard-working, frustrated and sometimes bitter citizens is a measure of true love for this nation.

The old politics were on display last night before I turned off the TV. That's why I made a contribution and hope that a new contributor will be inspired to do the same. Hope shines brightly today after last nights dark episode. It seems to mind me of one of my favorite Bible verses that talks about how joy will come in the morning.

New Politics of Unity

Michaele — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:06:47 EDT

Senator Barack Obama has continued to show why there are more than one million grass roots supporters donating to this campaign, thousands making phone calls and volunteering to help him win the Presidency. Every day, my faith in him as a leader grows.

If the tone of this campaign was meant to test his strength, the opposition has done a good job. If Barack Obama needed to sharpen his counter punch, he has done so in the last week. And, he does so with the dexterity of a seasoned leader who holds his vision high and never loses sight of the purpose that drives him.

My prayers are with Barack and Michelle because they do appeal to the greater angels in us. America is ready for the kind of change that is now sweeping Pennsylvania.

Why Young Women Support Barack

Michaele — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:03:44 EDT

This read this on Huffington Post this morning and found it very insightful. I am of the Boomer generation and have my own reasons for knowing that women will be better off with President Barack Obama. Now a younger voice explains it in a way that brings joy to her message.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blackandbrownnews/the-obama-feminists-why-y_b_96128.html

Conflict of Interest

Michaele — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:48:15 EDT

The New York Times reported that Clinton strategist met with the Colombian government to secure a contract for getting the Columbia Free Trade Agreement through Congress. At the same time, Hillary Clinton is telling the American voters that she opposed the same agreement.

No wonder voters in Pennsylvania should think twice about who will make sure that they have jobs in this country. This news is not reported in the much of the mainstream media so please spread the word.

In my opinion, American workers need to know the truth. Mark Penn will be lobbying for this bill while he takes money from the Clinton campaign to explain why she opposes it. This is what is wrong with Washington today. The lobbyists like Mark Penn would be writing bills in a Clinton administration. Those bills will be good for Colombian business interests but bad for American workers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/05/us/politics/05penn.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Post Cards for PA

Michaele — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:13:43 EDT

Thanks to some Obama supporters from Sun Lakes, we wrote 100 postcards urging PA voters to go to the polls on April 22 and give hope a chance. This action ws inspired by Dawn and the East Valley Obama volunteers who held a post card party in Mesa last week. Now we need more groups to join this grass roots efforts.

Just buy some Arizona postcards, pick up some 26 cent stamps and write personal notes to voters. Leave the address half of the card blank so that the PA volunteers can put labels on them and drop them in the mail.

I sent them to the Philadelphia headquarters but just look up any of the PA offices and send your postcards to the volunteers there. Time is running out but we have a couple of more weeks to do this and make calls to PA.

7 months, 7 Days and Then Bush will be Gone

Michaele — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:21:36 EDT

I feel lucky today because my desktop counter reminded me that in just 7 months and 7 days, the Bush administration will come to an end. Every one in the US and maybe half the world will cheer because we will be on the road to a government that works for the people, renewed respect for America in the world and leaders who will be accountable to voters rather than special interests.

The road ahead will require far more than just luck. As Barack reminds us, it will take more than just hope and a little bit of luck. It will take more than a million Barack Obama supporters to keep the faith. The last few weeks have been a test of our faith that new politics would trump the old politics of division. We have experienced the kitchen sink and its garbage disposal. There is a lingering stench that fouls this primary and we are not the ones who released it.

In 7 more months and 7 days, the American people will reap the benefits of the hard work of the grass roots volunteers and the talented campaign staffers. For all of us small donors, the victory will prove that big money interest can no longer determine who will be elected President of the United States.

History will look on this movement in awe while the old guard of the Democratic party will express shock that a little-known Senator from Illinois proved conventional wisdom wrong. The mainstream media pundits will say that they were the first to see this coming.

We are part of the movement that will transform politics forever. I am proud to get up every day to work to elect a visionary man who has the strength to go the distance against the Clinton machine. He has done it with class, dignity and courage.

I will still be fired up seven months and 7 days from now. We will still have a huge job to do to change our country and we answer the call of President Obama to work together to solve problems in our own backyards.

The Conversation Has Begun

Michaele — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:12:13 EDT

The dinner conversation on Easter Sunday began as usual with a prayer of thanks. I was thankful to be able to share the morning services with my Christian church family and then share the afternoon with friends.

After a wonderful meal, the conversation turned to Barack Obama and his message on race, religion and personal responsibility. I was not surprised that so many people had taken the time to view his entire message and were touched by his words. More than that, young people and their parents shared experiences and hopes in an open dialogue that gave new hope that America could move forward with real understanding that the battles of the 60s did bring progress and that in the next twenty years, we will be better able to come together based on what we share in common rather than the circumstances of our birth.

I give thanks to God, and thanks to Barack Obama for his courage to speak to the nation with honesty and hope. America needs Barack Obama to bring the world together at a time when peace is possible. After eight years of the failed Bush administration policies, the infighting in Congress and the bitter partisanship that failed Katrina victims, I am more than ready for change.

Striking Contrast Between Barack and Hillary

Michaele — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:18:35 EDT

I was reminded of the the very stark contrast between the two presidential candidates as I watched Barack speak on the Iraq War while Hillary spoke on the need to a Michigan re-vote.

Their actions reveal the essence of who they are and what they can offer America. Hillary was busy pushing for her own interest in Michigan and deriding Barack for his silence. Barack was talking about a costly war that America can not afford to wage because of the young lives lost and the US treasure squandered. This is a contrast that voters should recognize and super delegates ponder.

I am supporting Barack because every thing he says and does is an honest representation of his love for this country. That's important to me because I recently lost my father who fought in WW11, the Korean Conflict and did two tours of duty in Vietnam. My Black family loves this country and has accepted that we had to make great sacrifices even when our country did not treat us as well as we deserved. There are so many Black soldiers fighting and dying alongside white and Latino brothers in arms, that we share a common destiny that should not be questioned.

On the other side stands personal ambition without the discipline to avoid destructive, reckless personal behavior. To suggest than 10 wealthy Clinton supporters would fund a Michigan primary re-vote, seems self-serving and wrong-headed. The Michigan lawmakers will decide how to proceed and the offer of money comes close to crossing the line between the power of the elected officials and the power of 10 wealthy men.

It points to why special interest groups, with millions to spend, should not decide what is best for the citizens of Michigan. Money corrupts the process, when it influences such decisions. I am glad that the elected officials of Michigan did not accept the money because that kind of money buys favors down the road.

The Obama campaign rises above the monied interest to walk the high road. That's why the donors to this presidential candidate are willing to give small, hard-earned dollars to Barack. It is a study in contrast of styles that is not lost on the world. The Bush administration has done the will of the oil interests, large Pharma, the sugar industry and others. They failed to regulate or tax hedge funds and we are seeing a meltdown at Bears-Stearn. If you have saved a little money, you will get very little in terms of interest on your savings. If you need to borrow a little money, the cost of credit card, home mortgages and car payments are rising.

While Rome is burning, Hillary is fiddling around in Michigan. Barack is addressing the war and the economy with solid substance. This is a contrast that makes Barack Obama the better candidate and will make him a better President in 2008.

In Support of a More Perfect Union

Michaele — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:05:04 EDT

I sent out the moving speech to a wide variety of friends and family members asking for them to pass it along because I do believe that we an create a more perfect union.

Barack showed the courage to write and deliver this speech when other politicians would have stayed away from the subjects of religion and race. This is the new politics in action. It is the kind of political discourse that is need in the public square. It may not lead to victory in November but it needed to be said.

Now the American people will have to digest the words, examine their own hearts and decide if they are ready for the kind of change that this nation needs to bridge racial divides that should have been put behind us 20 years ago.

As a 59 year old black woman, I am more than ready to challenge the undermining words and acts of hatred that divide good people in America. Our nation has made progress since the civil rights movement but we still have some work to do. Rosa Parks calls to me sometimes when I witness an act of discrimination born out of ignorance. The person who holds hatred, unfounded and unrepentant, may not be swayed by mere words to rethink the history of that hatred. But, if no one speaks up, then the hatred will grow unchecked by common sense.

Albert Einstein said that prejudice is everything we learned before the age of 18. The key to ridding our individual lives of our own prejudices is to understand the world we lived in before we became adults and to acknowledge that the world has changed. If we spent our childhood segregated by race, we are not doomed to live the rest of our lives that way. Our children and grandchildren grew up in a better world and do not hold on to outdated views.

Barack Obama is uniquely qualified to open a frank dialogue about the next generation of Americans who are far more enlightened that past generations. I call upon the old black pastors, the old black leaders to take a fresh look at America outside the urban centers of large cities. The nation has embraced new thinking about race and is moving toward the more perfect union that Barack envisions. If these pastors don't agree, they should not lead our children and grandchildren back to the past.

I am so proud of Barack. He has the courage to be true to himself and to the vision of a new America. We stand with him and together in over coming old problems.

Facts You Can Use From Daily Kos

Michaele — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:38:07 EDT

Subject: The Real Truth About Barack Obama!
As enthusiastic volunteers in the Barack Obama campaign for the Presidency, we have put together a list of facts about Barack so that you will know the truth about him. Please follow the links we have included for documentation of these facts. If you value the truth as we do, please spread this information via email, blog, or any other means, to everyone you know.

Did you know that Barack Obama is a devout Christian? He has been a member of the same United Church of Christ congregation for 20 years, and was married there to his wife Michelle in 1992.
Did you know that Barack Obama often leads the US Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance?
Did you know that Barack Obama is a strong friend of Israel and has spoken out strongly against anti-Semitism?
Did you know his grandparents from Kansas were part of the "Greatest Generation?. His grandfather served with Patton's Army during World War II, and his grandmother, a real "Rosie the Riveter", worked in a bomber assembly plant back home.
Did you know that Barack Obama was opposed to the war in Iraq from day one, before we invaded, even while he was running for the Senate, and knowing his opposition might be politically unpopular?
"I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world and strengthen the recruitment arm of al Qaeda. I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars." --Barack Obama, 2002

Did you know Obama favors transparency over secrecy in our government? Did you know that Obama worked with Republican Senator Tom Coburn to pass one of the strongest government transparency bills since the freedom of information act? He's calling it Google for Government and you can see the results at www.usaspending.gov. Sen. Obama has also released his own tax returnsfor public review.
Did you know that after graduating with honors from Harvard Law School, Barack practiced civil rights law and also taught Constitutional Law for 10 years at the University of Chicago, one of the nation's best law schools, where he was consistently rated by his students as one of their best instructors? Did you also know that he was the first African-American elected president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review?
Did you know that Barack Obama is an outspoken advocate for women's rights and has been a principled defender of the civil rights of women?
Did you know that despite the grueling schedule of running for President, Senator Obama remains a devoted family man, making time to do things like pick out a Christmas tree with his wife and two young daughters, or hurrying home to spend Valentine's Day with them? Did you know he hasn't missed a single parent-teacher conference while running for President?
Did you know that Barack Obama has a stellar environmental record, including having the highest rating from the League of Conservation Voters (96%) of any Presidential candidate, Democrat or Republican?
Did you know that Barack Obama has been an elected legislator longer than Senator Clinton?
Did you know that Barack is a member of all of these Senate Committees: Foreign Relations; Veteran's Affairs; Health, Education, Labor & Pensions; Homeland Security and Government Affairs?
Did you know that Senator Obama has sponsored or co-sponsored 15 bills that have become law, and has introduced amendments to 50 bills, of which 16 were adopted since he joined the Senate in 2005?
Did you know that Senator Obama sponsored legislation working together with Indiana Republican Senator Richard Lugar, to keep Americans safe by keeping dangerous weapons out of terrorist hands? The two senators also visited the former Soviet Union to inspect the decommissioning of nuclear weapons. Sen. Lugar said of Sen. Obama, "He does have a sense of idealism and principled leadership, a vision of the future."
Did you know that Barack Obama is the only candidate running for president who voted against using cluster bombs in Iraq and the only candidate who supports banning the use of landmines?
Did you know that, as an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama succeeded in passing legislation requiring the videotaping of police interrogations, gaining the respect and support not only of fellow legislators but that of the police, who had initially opposed the legislation?
Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton were all younger when they took office than Barack Obama will be?

During election season many emails are circulated about the candidates. Some are true, some aren't. It's often difficult to determine the truth. We encourage you to visit the following non-partisan sites that do a good job of fact checking the candidates.
http://www.snopes.com/
http://www.factcheck.org/

Unity 2008 Up to Obama

Michaele — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:14:09 EST

The campaign for Texas and Ohio delegates has demonstrated, in all of its ugliness, the politics of the Clintons vs the New Politics of Barack Obama. On one side is cynicism and fear. On our side is the hope and the willingness to include the broad voice of all segments of the people.

It is somewhat illustrative of why America needs not just Obama in the White house but this movement to change the gridlock in Congress. We did not think that this change would come easy as we made thousands of calls and knocked on doors. The effort of those on this website are evidence of our ability to organize, mobilize and act.

There is no better evidence of the need to send new people to Washington than the ugliness of the last few days. Smear campaigns and misinformation are hallmarks of the Bush years.

If America wakes up at 3:00 a.m. this morning with hope in their hearts and change on their minds, it will be because of the hard work of thousands of Obama supporters who are grounded in the reality that our nation needs to come together to solve 20-year old problems.

The Bush/Clinton/Bush years are over because the world needs new ideas and new leadership. The Democratic Party will seize this opportunity to become a new party or it will fail to recognize that democracy works best when the citizens get engaged in the process. If the decision falls to the DNC and the super delegates, let's all pray that they do not give in to the special interest groups who are funding the Clintons but rather give the voters what we want.

Real Change That I Believe In

Michaele — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:42:05 EST

If Hillary expected to narrow the gap in Texas, the debate gave her no new messages to win undecided voters who like both candidates. Barack, on the other hand, demonstrated that he is ready to be commander in chief.

The discussion on the Iraq War was an real opportunity for voters to consider the first role of commander in chief. That role is to weigh all of the consequences of military action before sending our brave troops to risk life and limb. Barack is right when he points out that our soldiers need to be properly trained and equipped before they deploy. And, he reminded Americans that he has worked in the Senate on Veterans issues that we all support.

Most important, Barack will not hire a Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Bremmer or other ideologue to set foreign policy. He will be able to hire the best qualified cabinet member and senior officials from among Democrats, Independents and Republicans. To me, this is a major change.

On the diplomatic front, the ambassadors to some of our most strategic posts will not be the major contributors but rather the smart, seasoned foreign policy experts who will be proud to work in a competent State Department.

If we want to protect the American people, the Homeland Security Department will need competent leaders. I trust Barack Obama to draw great leaders to his side. This is where real change will come on Day One.

The fact that Barack has won 11 straight contests demonstrates his executive experience. This campaign has stayed on messages, built a grass roots organization, tapped into small donors and spent money strategically. The next president of the United States will need a broad coalition of support to hold Congress accountable for turning Barack's plans into action.

We continue to be amazed at just how well this campaign runs day to day and this is what will give Barack a huge edge against John McCain in November.

Superdelegates

Michaele — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:33:51 EST

The sweep of the Potomac primaries is a real accomplishment for this movement. The string of victories has demonstrated that when we have so many excited volunteers on the ground, we can overcome the conventional thinking that the news media and pundits try to dice and slice into demographics that make no sense in our movement.

The Clinton campaign strategy has been too conventional to take on the movement for change. The playbook of Karl Rove is not going to win the general election because it supposes that special interest groups will vote for their own interests rather than for the common interests shared by Democrats, Independents and some Republicans.

I have talked to friends in Virginia and Maryland who are now working to raise money to keep Barack moving through the next primary states. Supporters are doing more than just voting, they are getting involved. That's why we will be able to phone bank in upcoming primary states.

The enthusiasm gap is a powerful measure of why Barack will win the popular vote and the delegates in upcoming states. It is what will win the general election. Those of us who are volunteering our time and contributing cash to support this nomination will be doing the same with even greater gusto in the general election.

A half million small donors can grow into a million small donors by November. The Democratic Party has never had that kind of donor base to win a Presidential election.

Super delegates must consider the prospects of having to raise money, excite volunteers and bring in new voters to win against John McCain.

What Barack Obama has delivered to the Democratic Party is unparalleled in the history of our Party. This is turning the page on old coalitions, old fundraising rules and old big-state strategies. For this time in history, Barack Obama has changed the face of the Democratic Party, the tone of politics and the hopes of our nation. Let's hope that the super delegates are understanding this movement and are willing to let go of old loyalties that have kept us out of the White House, out of the Senate and out of the hearts of the American people.

Delegate Hopeful

Michaele — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:42:41 EST

Well, I said Yes I can today when I began my campaign to be an Obama delegate to the Democratic National Convention. This is just one more step in my efforts to get Barack and Michelle to the White House.

In Arizona, we need to votes of our fellow Precinct committee members from our Congressional District so I have to begin making calls, meeting with people and spreading the word.

I am committed to making sure that Barack gets this nomination and I hope that this next step will give me a seat in the Arizona delegation.

Return to Camelot

Michaele — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:09:36 EST

For those of us who remember the Kennedy years, the endorsement of Ted Kennedy and Caroline are more than just symbolic. This is truly the moment when voters are asked to turn the page on the polarizing politics of the past 20 years and embrace a new direction.

For me, this is just one more confirmation that my support of Senator Obama is based on reason. No other family has served the country with greater sacrifice than the Kennedy clan. Unlike the Clintons, Ted Kennedy shares the values of this country and have worked hard to get bi-partisan support for education, health care and immigration reform. Senator Ted Kennedy has accomplished a lot in Congress and has never felt entitled to anything.

We are working hard as grass roots supporters to persuade our neighbors that Barack Obama is the real voice of change. Ted Kennedy did that in such a credible way. We can all be proud of this movement when it catches the heart-felt attention of the Kennedys.

Fired Up and ready to go win

Michaele — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 09:45:23 EST

We will be meeting on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. at Iguana Mack's in Chandler to meet with Joe who will help us organize for the last leg of this primary race. The next two weeks will determine if Barack Obama supporters can turn our enthusiasm into votes on Febraury 5.

Most of us have been working for a year already gathering up others as the weeks went by. Now we are near the finish line and we are more than just fired up, we know that we can make a big difference for Senator Obama.

Yes, we can show up on Monday night!

Yes , we can bring along at least one new person to join us.

Yes, we can spend the next two weeks doing whatever it takes to win Arizona for Barack.

See you there.

Back in Action

Michaele — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:31:38 EST

I had to take a few weeks to regain my footing after my father passed away but I am back in action today after biting my fingernails off during the reporting on the New Hampshire Primary results.

Yes, I was surprised that the voting results did not track to the polling. Yes, I was disappointed like so many other ardent believers in the movement that I know will send Barack Obama to the White House. Yes, it took a few hours to bounce back and to look at today as the first day to begin again to win the nomination.

This is a grass roots campaign, always has been, always will be. The victory will be won only by grass roots organizing in our own neighborhoods, churches, workplaces and living rooms. There is no other way to win.

So today, I am getting back to what I know about grass roots. It is personal, close-up and one-on-one. It is talking to total strangers about why I personally believe that Barack Obama can change Washington. It is about reaching out to new people who may not yet have heard this message of hope.

Yes, I can make a difference every day because I am invested in the future of this country and together, every believer can make a difference.

Tribute to My Dad

Michaele — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:40:36 EST

My dear Dad passed away last week and I am missing him today. He led an extraordinary life that gave me the principles that I bring to this campaign.

We are preparing to lay my Dad to rest in Arlington National Cemetery--a hero's place on honor for a decorated solider who fought in WW11, the Korean Conflict and then volunteered for two tours of duty in Vietnam.

My Dad was the son of an Alabama sharecropper, his humble beginnings in the midst of racial strife did not stop him from dreaming of a better life. He joined the Army at a time when he did not have the right to vote in his home state, but he loved America for it could be. He never doubted that change would come to his beloved country so that his four children could get a college education and dream of becoming what ever they chose. He was part of that change as he rose through the ranks, went on to earn two Masters degrees in order to be an example to his family.

His example of how to lead an honest, decent and responsible life speaks to Dr. King's dream of African American families in this country today.

In the past few months of his life, we talked about Barack Obama's vision and my Dad wanted to see this extraordinary man in the White House. He was thrilled by the fact that Barack Obama had spent his formative years outside the United States because our family had lived in Hawaii, Japan and France. He told me often how important it was to learn about different cultures, religions and histories so that we could understand who we were as Americans. He knew that Barack's life prepared him to be a great leader and commander-in-chief.

I joined this movement because my Dad prepared me to dream of a better world. In his honor, I will continue to work to prove that the American Dream lives on through the vision of Barack Obama.

Diamonds and Pearls Symbols of Greed

Michaele — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:22:35 EST

It was a silly question that should never have been asked. But, I did get me thinking about what kind of person would want both adornments. I guess if someone had asked me to choose, I would have said neither. My faith teaches me to that such adornments are vain. My budget tells me that both are out of reach.

In a debate in which Hillary said that most workers would be hurt by raising the $97,000 social security cap, I was struck by her lack of understanding of the median annual income of the workforce in America. It is around $43,000 according to most reports. That means that half of those who go to work make less than that.

Even if my numbers are off a little, the point is that most women do not have the luxury of choosing between diamonds and pearls. The choose between child care and car fare in many cities. The choose between prescription drugs and healthy food in other towns. Single moms choose between saving dollars for a child's education and saving those same scarce dollars for retirement. I guess when tough choices have to be made by working women, they just don't get to have both.

I have nothing against women who want pearls and diamonds. Wear them with pride. I just don't think that Hillary should have answered that silly question without thinking about the majority of women who she wants to vote for her in Iowa.

If she is the Democratic nominee, her opponents will point out that she can not be satisfied with just a string of pearls or a diamond wedding ring. They will paint her as the kind of woman who wants it all, not matter what the costs. If this represents American values, we Democrats have become as greedy as the corporations who want both cheap labor and huge CEO paychecks.

We need Barack to represent ordinary people whose dreams are more than shiny objects.

The Urgency of Now for Black Americans

Michaele — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:29:25 EST

While 90 percent of Black voters are registered Democrats in Florida, an article in the Sun-Sentinel in Palm Beach Florida (home of the hanging chads and lost ballot boxes) urges the 10 percent to abandon the Republican Party to vote for Barack. This is a good article to email to all Black Republicans that you know. It is also a must read for all Black voters who may be leaning towards Hillary.

Michelle Obama has made some powerful statements about winning over Black voters who are not convinced that whites will vote for an African-American for President. I hear this sentiment a lot when I talk to African-American family and friends.

This article urges Black Republicans who are disenchanted with the Democratic Party to give Barack the opportunity to transform our party from within.

After reading this article, I agree that the Democratic Party has not lived up to my expectations over the years for the same reasons that other segments of the American people have lost hope after the gains of the civil rights movement. We have swept racial inequities under the rug while we voted for Democrats who did not deliver on the American Dream that Dr. Martin Luther King outlined. I feel very strongly that this dream deferred has not dried up like "a raisin in the sun".

Barack speech in Iowa at the JJ dinner brought tears to my eyes. As my own parents, in their 80s, fought against racial segregation and discrimination for decades, I am working in this campaign to give them hope that their struggles, my own struggles will not continue through the lifetimes of their grandchildren. The Urgency of Now resonates with black America. As Barack so eloquently spoke to the hearts and souls of all Americans, his message should infuse new hope in our community.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpobama1113pnnov13,0,4569413.story?track=rss

Participate in Grass Roots Virtual Fundraising Nov 16

Michaele — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:45:05 EST

After the videos of the JJ Dinner and the great response to the Meet the Press interview, we are starting the week off Fired Up and Ready to go.

I am pariticpating in the nation-wide virtual fundraising event on November 16. Now I am postingthe link for those of you who may not have signed up to help raise $5 million is one day. If the Ron Paul folks could do it, so can we.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/BaracksFridayProject

November 16 Fundraising Challenge

Michaele — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:46:31 EST

If you have already made a donation to this campaign, November 16 will be your opportunity to make a huge difference. If you have made one, two or more small contributions, you will be in good company on November 16 when we will be asked to do just a little bit more.

Because Barack is not taking contributions from special interest PACs and major corporations, he has distinguished himself from Hillary Clinton. But, the campaign must be able to outspend the front runner to get it's message out in the early states and the Super Tuesday primaries. He will be able to run ads and staff the early states with money that all of his supporters raise on November 16.

If Ron Paul can raise more that 4.3 million in 24 hours from just 37,000 supporters, the more than 300,000 supporters of our movement can do better. The key will be to keep adding more potential donors in the next few days and also to reach a little deeper to find $10, $20, $25 or more to contribute on November 16. Every dollar will count, so the $5 donations do add up.

Let's get fired up and ready to go.

Must Read Article Supports Barack Agenda vs Clinton

Michaele — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 10:55:23 EST

I just read an article in the online version of Atlantic Monthly magazine that captures the reasons why Barack is the best candidate to change American politics. Author, Andrew Sullivan writes about how only Barack can transcend the politics of the Baby Boomer generation that has left us polarized on issues. The article appeared in December 2007, but I had not read it until today when a blogger posted it on your community blog.

It is a compelling journalistic piece that points out the strengths and the weaknesses of this campaign in a balanced fashion and concludes that the time is right for President Obama. Why? The author walks us through the history that has led to the toxic cycle that divides us into Red States, Blue States, Liberals, and Conservatives.

The title of the article is Goodbye to All That. What the author sees in Barack Obama is a way in which Americans can say goodbye to all of the post-60's divisions that produced the so called culture wars at home and our intensifying reliance on war to spread democracy in the Muslim world.

The last lines of this article reads, "We may in fact have finally found that bridge to the 21st century that Bill Clinton told us about. Its name is Obama."

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama

Fired Up, Where Are We Going?

Michaele — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:03:07 EDT

Barack explained that a leader can't lead if he can't tell people where he is going. So for the leaders of the push to get Barack elected President, we do need to know where we are going.

Here in Arizona the mission is clear.

1) Mobilize the grassroots volunteers to call the many supporters who can volunteer to contact voters.

2) Contact voters and urge them to vote for change by casting their ballots for Barack on Feb. 5.

3) Continue to raise money for the battle in the early states. Contributions at this stage keep ads on the air in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada.

Please add your thoughts and ideas to this list. This is our campaign and we are going all the way to the White House.

Obama at Arizona Luncheon

Michaele — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 22:27:01 EDT

Once again, I got a chance to greet Barack in person. I went to the fundraising luncheon at the Wyndam Hotel on Friday to support Barack's efforts to close the money gap. It was wonderful to sit in a room of about 150 people as Barack spoke to supporters and answered our questions on issues that we really care about.

His answer of immigration was important to Arizona supporters. He reminded us that we can secure our borders and give immigrants a path to citizenship. He also addressed a Native American supporters concerns by inviting him to join a group of Native American leaders by assuring him that when he becomes President, he will meet with Tribal Leaders to listen to them.

That's why I am so convinced that Barack Obama should be President. Every time I see him, he listens to people and connects with them. As more voters get to see him on the campaign trail, they will become as excited as I am about sending him to the White House.

Scottsdale Event Energized

Michaele — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 07:48:00 EDT

For those who missed a great event at the Scottsdale Culinary Arts Institute, it was a fun, energized opportunity to meet and greet some of the best people on earth--Obama supporters. Close to 100 people came out to introduce new people to the campaign while we tasted appetizers prepared by the school's staff and served by young students who will one day make a name for themselves in fine restaurants all over the world.

When this campaign hosts such events, we get the unique opportunities to demonstrate to young people that our campaign is as diverse as the the menus they prepare. Our group had all of the ingredients that a winning campaign should include. We are from all races, all ages, all backgrounds and all faiths. We appeal to newcomers to this campaign because we can quickly connect to people who share the values that Barack outlined in "The Audacity of Hope".

I never get enough of sharing stories about why people are working hard to elect Barack. Every event presents an opportunity to better understand the common story that we all share.

For Arizonans for Obama, the upcoming calendar presents lots of events to engage us. Be sure to sign up for an event, bring along a neighbor, friend or co-worker. The new comers catch fire when they are in the company of devoted volunteers who welcome each new supporter shares the vision of President Barack Obama.

Be sure to jump in this weekend for the volunteer opportunities that are posted on this website. And remember to bring just one more person to each rally, walk and fundraiser. We are growing organically as grassroots organizations do. We have strength in numbers and hopes that will sustain us.

We are fired up in Arizona and on our way to creating a wonderful movement that will become a tidal wave of support for the Feb. 5 Arizona Presidential Preference Primary.

The money we raise now will give Barack what he needs to win the early states. The people we recruit now will be on the ground to deliver Arizona to Barack.

There is no stopping us!

Jena 6 shows there is work to be done

Michaele — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:53:46 EDT

I was watching the huge crowds gathering to protest unequal justice for the Jena 6 this morning. One woman interviewed had traveled from Los Angeles to join the movement to demand that we end racial disparity in the justice system. I have been following this case with sadness because I was a young student who joined the civil rights movement in the late 60s and thought that our country could unite to achieve Dr. Martin Luther King's dream.

What does this have to do with this campaign?

In my opinion, this campaign to mobilize young people and older activists is what we need today to unify people of all races, faiths and background for the common good of our nation.

This current administration destroyed the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. Bush put loyalty to the Republican Party ahead protecting the civil rights of all Americans. The Supreme court decisions under this administration has watered down protections that were won in hard-fought battles 40 years ago. The recent Senate vote on the rights of prisoners in Gitmo, denies them due process even if they are American citizens. Any one can be declared an enemy combatant by the President without legal protections of the US Constitution.

While our young brave men and women die in Iraq so that Sunni citizens who are in the minority, have equal rights--our own minority citizens are denied equal justice in America.

Our next president will have to unite us. Racial injustice needs to end on January 20, 2008.

That's why we must join in a movement that gives all Americans hope. When one of us is denied justice, all of us suffer.

Countdown to Change House Party

Michaele — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:49:07 EDT

I took action on Saturday by hosting a Countdown to Change House Party in Chandler. I want to share the results with you and encourage all supporters to play host to undecided voters and neighbors who have not yet joined the campaign. This was a good experience.

First, I have to share something that unfolded about 90 minutes before my event--the toilet in my guest bathroom sprung a leak and had to to be repaired. The task of finding a plumber on Saturday afternoon who could get there on quick notice interrupted my plans. I called a neighbor who has a small business as a handyman and told his wife that I was frantic because I was hosting a party for Barack Obama and I need her husband's immediate help. She said that she was a huge supporter to Obama and that she would track down her husband and send him right over so that the Obama event would go smoothly. When my friendly handyman arrived about 20 minutes later, we talked about Barack while he fixed the problem. I asked him and his wife to come join us, but he was off to help another neighbor in distress. He said he would spread the work about Obama and let all of our neighbors know that we need to elect Barack. So the lesson I learned, was that I need to reach out to those people who are in my address book that I seldom call.

Now for the House Party report. We met our fundraising goal of at least $126. We turned three undecided voter into supporters. We got two more people interested in hosting a house party. We interested one supporter in going to Nevada for weekend. We wrote 10 postcards to Nevada voters. So if you can gather a group of just ten people together, you can make a difference in this campaign. Every guest left with a copy of the Obama campaign DVD, a bumper sticker and more reasons to spread the work about our movement.

Id you have not yet hosted a house party of new people, please consider that you only need to have 10 people sitting around your TV set watching the campaign video to help our volunteer base, fundraising and supporter numbers grow.

You Must See "In Debt We Trust"

Michaele — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:32:39 EDT

I spent a couple of hours last night with a group of active Democrats, watching a documentary titled "In Debt We Trust. It was an informative film about how our country has become a nation burdened by consumer debt.

The film outlined the history of our nation from the time when the "buy now, pay later" began in a modest way to help families acquire cars and home appliances to the current day environment of the marketing of credit cards as the means to enhance family life.

While I knew that Congress had been pressured by the credit card industry and lending institutions to deregulate money lenders, I had not grasped the extent of the damage that changing the bankruptcy laws helped fuel the economic crisis that many homeowners and credit card holders face.

There we a couple of smart people in the audience that missed the point. One elderly woman reminded us that immigrant communities used to band together to make small loans to new immigrants with their community to help them start a business. Another man suggested that parents who did not give their children a good education about personal financial responsibility were to blame for college students getting into credit card debt.

Barack has worked in low-income communities where pooling a few dollars to help a neighbor is done, but not enough to fight the problem of too little regulation. Barack worked in Chicago when the loss of manufacturing jobs left people unable to pay the mortgage on a family home.

Now he is taking on the predatory lenders who trap hard-working middle class families in a lifetime of debt without the security blanket of personal bankruptcy laws. These families fall down because of the death of the breadwinner. They are crippled by losing a high paying job to outsourcing. They suffer when the pension they earned evaporates while the poor-performing CEO of the company gets rewarded with a golden parachute and enough stock to keep his mansion until another company hires him.

If you get a chance to see this documentary, it will drive home Barack's position on bringing sane regulations back to the financial industry. It will also give you a better understanding of why federal lobbyists and industry lobbying organization should not "buy" our next president.

If you have $5 in spare change in your piggy bank, invest it today in this campaign. I am started a "spare change for change" jar in my house. I intend to drop loose change in it and offset the big bucks that rob us of our voice in Washington.

Magic in Manchester

Michaele — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:42:59 EDT

I watched Michelle and Barack Obama in Manchester on C-Span Labor Day. What I saw was magic.

The huge crowd was diverse. Men, women and children of all ages gathering on a beautiful day to listen to how they could transform our country. I noticed that some stood with arms crossed, not yet open to the message. Others were wildly certain that our candidate was their choice. Some where in the middle were those who were open to hear the message of change and the candidate that could bring that change. I wanted every one of them to be able to sense the honesty of the man and the wisdom of his message.

Every time I watch Senator Obama and his gifted wife appear before crowds of voters, I get more and more certain that he will win this primary. I tune out pundits whose conventional thinking has them looking at national polls and handicapping the candidates as if this were a typical horse race that they have grown used to following.

We all agree that America is headed in the wrong direction. We know that our conventional politicians have been too weak to reverse what we know are downward trends. We all know that bold new thinking will restore faith and confidence in America. It is when Barack and Michelle speak, that the future seems brightest.

I am caught up in the idealism of my youth as my hair turns gray. I remember John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. They were young men of extraordinary vision who set out to change America. These men appealed to all generations and united our country when were we divided on race, foreign threats and the economy.

The magic is back in American politics and Barack Obama reminded me that while he knows he is not perfect, he is willing to turn the page so that my grandchildren can be born into a better world.

Fight Predatory Lending in Arizona: Write to our AG

Michaele — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:28:50 EDT

I agree with Barack on the need to stop predatory lenders from targeting the elderly, low-income and all first time home buyers in our state. These unfair lending practices in Arizona have led us to have the 4th highest foreclosure rate in the nation, according to recent reports in the New York Times.

Arizona has a very strong consumer advocate in our current attorney general Terry Goddard. We want him to put predatory mortgage brokers and Pay-Loan lenders out of business for the citizens of Arizona. Please go to his website and contact him today. Or write him a letter letting him know that the Arizonans for Obama think that Barack has this right and that we can be one of the first states to take action.

http://www.azag.gov/

Every Action Counts

Michaele — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:50:09 EDT

The Arizonans for Obama came together last night to meet our the new Arizona Political Director who will be visiting out state and shaping our victory on February 5. If you missed the meeting, you will be pleased to know that about a dozen new supporters joined us last night and will begin inviting their friends, neighbors and family members to add their voices, talents and feet to the campaign.

I realized as we talked that time is much shorter than we think. Arizona has a very effective early mail ballot process that gives primary voters the opportunity to vote a couple of weeks before the polls open on Feb 5. The Democratic Party has been very successful in pushing the vote by mail process to ensure that no one is turned away at the polls because they forget to bring a driver license or other ID on Feb 5. Recent changes in the Arizona election laws favor the vote by mail process.

Also, Arizona has a closed primary so newcomers to our state who registered with no party preference or registered as Independent will not be able to vote for Barack unless they register as Democrats at least 30 days before the election.

We need active volunteers to join the voter registration drives throughout the State. The more Democrats we register, the better opportunity Barack has to win in Arizona.

Then we need to take the steps necessary to reach registered voters. This will take an army of volunteers to get involved.

We can do this each day if we pledge to draw 2 new volunteers each week to the campaign. If that volunteer brings 2 new volunteers each week, we can expand our our grassroots actions.

Let's post Obama events on the Arizona Democratic Party website after you have posted them on this site. Go to www.azdem.org and register for a password. Respect the rules of the site and use it to post under the "candidate" event section.

There are lots of Democrats who are watching the candidates debate and who will make a decision in the next few days or weeks. We want them to be able to find us.

East Valley Volunteers Getting it Together

Michaele — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 23:13:03 EDT

After Camp Obama the East Valley Wing of Arizonans for Obama went into full swing getting supporters together to begin what will be an exciting grass roots push in the East Valley of Maricopa County Arizona.

We have a huge valley to canvass and we are working to get other to join us from Mesa, Chandler, Sun-Lakes, Gilbert, Higley and Queen Creek.

Our first meeting on August 16 was amazing. Ten new volunteers came out to hear who they could help Barack Obama win in our region.

What was most impressive were their personal stories about what drew them to this movement.

For those who were not able to attend, we are hosting a second session this Thursday. The event can be found on this website. We hope to double the number of new volunteers and then get set for the big win on Feb. 5.

What is exciting about this grass roots campaign is that everyone can bring their energy, thoughts and ideas to the table. We have volunteers who are working on their first political campaign and we have volunteers who have worked on traditional campaigns. This diversity will help us develop the ideas from Camp Obama into a victory for Barack.

We are ready to win the East Valley for Barack! Be sure to get in on the action in your region.

Camp Obama in Arizona Producing Results

Michaele — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:43:39 EDT

If you want to know just how Arizonans for Obama have been energized from two days of intense training, look for new events on this webiste.

In case you have not heard, more than 40 supporters from all over the state got a chance to spend two days together in Camp Obama early this month. Now we are holding regional volunteer meetings all over the state. Watch this website for an event close to you and spread the word.

This grassroots effort throughout the state intends to grow in the next few weeks with more opportunities for others to join, volunteer and spread the word.

Why American Workers Need Barack

Michaele — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:52:49 EDT

The events unfolding in Utah this morning remind me that the American worker goes unprotected thanks to the money of a special interest group. Three brave coal miners lost their lives trying to rescue six fallen brothers who have been trapped for almost two weeks. This is one more American tragedy that illustrates the power of lobbyists who funnel campaign contributions to Washington.

Senator Obama knows that taking money from lobbyists endangers ordinary people who do some of the most dangerous jobs in this country. When I learned that the mine owner had made substantial campaign contributions to a Republican leader whose wife oversees worker safety, I grew angry. When I learned that the head of the Mine Safety agency is a former mining industry executive who is a recess appointment who could never have won Senate confirmation, I got even more upset.

The movement for change, led by Senator Obama, is important for every working family. Until we change the politics as usual in Washington, more workers will die because safety laws are ignored. Every industry in which workers rely on OSHA rule enforcement has been compromised by campaign contributions from PACs who influence who gets the top jobs at agencies that protect workers.

Add to this the spate of toy recalls, the FDA failure to spot dangerous side effects of new prescription drugs, and the incompetent response to Katrina--and every American should question what kind of president we need.

Change means locking out PAC dollars. Change means saying "no to political cronyism. Change means reestablishing the enforcement of Federal safety laws.

Americans can follow the money to see just what happens when special interest dollars undermine government. As more and more tragic events happen, they should vote to protect themselves and others from corporate greed.

When PACs gain power, ordinary working people not only lose jobs, homes and hope--they can lose their lives and loved ones.

I know that America needs President Barack Obama. It becomes more clear every day.

Barack Fires Back, Women Listen

Michaele — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 12:26:32 EDT

The UTube debates were interesting but the aftermath was more informative. Finally we are beginning to get a look at why Senator Obama is gaining support among Democrats who are not enthusiastic about nominating Hillary Clinton. Hillary fired the first round but lost the battle.

Arizona women who want change in Washington will support Barack because he will restore America's reputation around the world. He will engage with world leaders who do not share his views. He will not use name calling and military threats to win the hearts and minds of millions of people who once looked up to America as a beacon of hope.

As we talk to Arizona women, we need to point out that many women are dying in Iraq. Some Arizona women are burying children and many Arizona women are struggling to get VA medical care for husbands suffering from physical and mental wounds.

Hillary fears that she will be used for propaganda purposes. That sounds like she will put her personal image ahead of the image of our country. The leader of the free world needs to risk his personal comfort when needed to avoid an armed conflict.

Barack will talk to world leaders without a lot of deal-breaking demands. He has the power to persuade them to his point of view. America needs a new direction to engage the rest of the world in solving real problems. Let's turn the page and put him in the White House.

Arizona Fundraising at 140,000 +

Michaele — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:46:41 EDT

According to the recent FEC filing, Arizona has raised more than 140,000 so far for Barack Obama's campaign. That is significant in that small donors are the backbone of hs campaign here in our state.

We now have to work hard in the next few months to keep that number at least doubling each quarter by getting more Arizonans to join this movement for change.

This is a good time to send emails to other family members, friends and activists who have not yet joined Arizonans for Barack.

Our state has a large number of Independents who will not be able to vote in the AZ primary. We will have to persuade them to change their voter registration so that they can vote for Barack. Provide them with the online resource at:

htttp://servicearizona.com

The online registration becomes effective the same day but it may take a few weeks for them to get a new voter registration card.

Barack Right on Iraq

Michaele — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:55:08 EDT

Barack was right to speak up against the Iraq war before Congress authorized the use of force to topple Saddam. He had done his homework well. Now he is leading the charge to redeploy the troops from the streets of Bagdad and developing a rational plan to start withdrawing American forces from the middle of a civil war.Yesterday a top Iraqi official told the world that Iraqi forces can assume responsibility for defending their own country and that the US can now withdraw. The majority of Americans see that the current Iraqi government will not unite on a vision for the future of their own country. The official labels the current strategy as "the American vision". I did take a few minutes to write a letter to local editors from this website yesterday because Barack knows what most Americans know and this administration denies. The vision that America has for the future of Iraq as a unified, secular democracy is counter to the real dreams of the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people. The Shiite government has its own vision for the future of Iraq that does not include Al Qaeda in Iraq or the Sunni minority. They want the majority Shiite elements to hold onto power. The people elected the government and they have been empowered to govern as they think best.In the coming weeks, we should continue to write to the American Congress to embolden our current elected officials to push the Bush Administration to get real about this war. The real war on terrorists is a global fight that requires the courage to admit that it will take greater diplomacy not military might to win the day.I read the Iraq Study Group report and agree that those recommendations by a bipartisan commission of respected people and the experts they interviewed, provides the foundation for plan-B. That foundation, along with more recent intelligence estimates are powerful tools for the administration to change course if they want a "victory" in Iraq. The war in Iraq will be at the center of the 2008 election debates with the majority of the American voters paying close attention to Democrats who are the best hope of not only ending the war but also preventing future decisions to invade Iran, Syria and other nations in the region. Hillary Clinton and John Edwards did not do their homework before they authorized this war. They failed to ask tough questions when they represented the interests of the American people. Now we want every member of Congress to ask the tough questions and talk about this misguided vision for Iraq. I support a change in Washington that gives the American people government that is more responsible. I am not an anti-war left wing liberal. I grew up in a military family that made huge sacrifices to protect this nation. My father fought in WWII, the Korean Conflict and volunteered for two tours of duty in Vietnam. I honor him and my mother when I ask that we do not make decisions to use faulty intelligence, unrealistic goals and unproven strategies to invade sovereign nations. Military families will continue to make sacrifices because that is part of the American way. But, we need to understand that our next commander in chief needs to respect them by developing sane foreign policies that put diplomacy first and military engagement last of the options in the War on Terror.

Faith Informs Action

Michaele — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:16:18 EDT

Americans are now understanding that Republicans do not have a lock on values voters. For the past few years, Democrats who are born-again Christians were marginalized in the political dialogue because the media told the country that people who go to church each week tend to vote Republican. Not true.

The civil rights movement was led by ministers in the South who were joined by Rabbis and other clerics who recognized that equal justice was in keeping with religious tenets and American principles. They were considered radical, left-wing agitators when they began to take to the streets in civil disobedience of Jim Crow laws. The labels did not keep them from pushing to enact voter rights legislation and the integration of buses and other public transit systems. They acted on faith and God was on the side of justice.

The recent poll indicating that Barack Obama's faith in evident to potential voters is good for the candidate and good for America. While I believe in the separation of church and state as spelled out in the Constitution, I pray for leadership in Washington that will take the moral high ground after years of lies, misconduct, hate-mongering and turning our backs on the poor, the sick and the elderly. The Jesus that I worship in my daily life, preached compassion and urged us to take personal responsibility for our own behavior while being our brother's keeper.

Religion is not the most important factor in this election but it is the foundation of personal character. Faith informs what is the right thing to do when leaders face ethical choices. Faith spawns hope. Faith holds back greed. Faith gives strength to stand against lawlessness and corruption. Faith inspires others to forgive small mistakes and reminds us that we are not perfect.

Let us pray for Barack and Michelle as this campaign continues to present the opportunity to transform our country. It does not matter which faith you embrace, but rather that your faith inspires you to expect the leader of the free world to acknowledge that we all answer to a higher power.

New Citizens Need Obama

Michaele — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:12:59 EDT

Barack is doing a good job of presenting his message for One America, knowing that the issues such as education, equal justice and economic opportunity are shared by all citizens. He continues to demonstrate that he does not take any vote for granted. His message is not divisive but unifying. For those of us who want to move beyond gender and race, beyond national origin and beyond economic class, Barack is the right candidate.

President Obama is the one person who can work to unite America. His understanding of what ails America will keep this campaign growing. This is a long race to win the nomination that will take our continued fundraising and community organizing. Everyday I am finding more and more local Democrats who are becoming more active n this campaign.

Arizona is becoming a purple state as the McCain campaign fizzles. We have a large percentage of Independents who can not vote in the primary elections. We Democrats are gaining ground as we register new Democrats and persuade Independents to register as Democrats so that they can vote in the primary on February 5.

One of the most encouraging trend comes for our efforts to register people who have recently become naturalized citizens and will be able to vote for the first time.

You can help Barack by registering new citizens as exit their naturalization ceremonies. These immigrants identify with Barack's biography as the son of an African immigrant who achieved the American dream and is now running for President. His story is inspiring new citizens to hope that their sons and daughters may one day sit in the Oval Office. We need to tell them that the dream of equal opportunity requires leadership that is committed to protecting the American Dream.

Proud to be Counted

Michaele — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:09:17 EDT

Now we are moving. When more than 250,000 people join in the movement for change, the voice grows from a whisper to a shout. In the coming months, our voices can grow to a roar.

I am proud to be counted in this campaign to take our country back.

Great News from Pittsburgh

Michaele — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 20:48:01 EDT

Barack made a good first impression in Pittsburgh this week. That is good news as he meets people for the first time and they get a chance to understand why he is passionate about turning the page in American history.

I lived in Pittsburgh early in my career when that city was headquarters to very large US manufacturing companies. My neighbors worked for the steel, barge making, electrical, aluminum, chemical and other prominent manufacturers who began shutting down factories in the late 70s. After the blue collar jobs left, white collar jobs disappeared. The the high-paying management jobs became scarce.

Pittsburgh is a city that learned to turn a page in order to be reborn. It turned to high-tech jobs and put people back to work. I don't know how it is doing now, but the good people of Pittsburgh did not give up hope for a better future. The report of Barack's visit reminded me of what America needs today as big cities, small towns and rural enclaves, face global economic concerns.

Most Americans don't want to say that we survived the bad times, we want to say that we turned the page and built something better than what we had yesterday.

That's why I am supporting Barack Obama for president and spread the word. When I wear my T-shirt, display my bumper sticker and distribute his Walk for Change brochure, I feel like I am truly helping to bring change to Washington and America.

I am truly blessed to live in America where my one voice can be heard.

Walk for Change

Michaele — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 10:40:32 EDT

I joined the Arizonans for Obama to Walk for Change on Saturday. My walking partner was a young woman who did not have a car so she took a bus from Mesa to Tempe (it took her more than an hour) to support Barack. I hope she does not mind me sharing why she felt the commitment to get involved in her first campaign canvass.

Like me, her inspiration came from reading Barack's books. She understands the sincerity of our candidate and has pushed aside cynicism to join in the transformation of America.

The most interesting conversation we had was with a woman who had heard that Barack was a Muslim. She said that while religion was not the most important factor in who she would support, she was troubled by her understanding that followers of Islam were taught that violence is a tenet of their belief system.

We spent a few minutes talking to her about Barack's Christian experience and is early work Chicago on behalf of Christian churches there. We talked about the recent CNN broadcast on Religion and Politics. We listened to her as she talked about her own Christian faith. We invited her to read the faith message on Barack's website.

My walking partner had never knocked on doors before but she was passionately connected to the message for change and the hope of Barack's presidency. I have knocked on doors for a number of Democratic candidates but I learned a valuable lesson on Saturady. The next time I walk, I will walk with someone I am meeting for the first time so I can be inspired by that person's story.

I gave this young woman a ride home, not wanting her to have to take a bus aftering walking in near 100 degree temperatures. Her story represents the many faces of this campaign. I am so glad that Barack has touched so many people who are getting involved for the first time.

Getting Organized Thanks to Buffy

Michaele — Tue, 29 May 2007 13:53:28 EDT

Our grass roots efforts to build support for Barack got a great shot in the arm last week from Buffy, the Western Region Field Organizaer for the Obama campaign. About 200 people came together to hear her outline the campaign strategy for our state.

Most of the crowd had never worked on a campaign before! To me, this signifies that Barack is drawing in a lot of people who now feel empowered to transform our government. They are no longer going to sit on the bench and watch the ugly game of politics as usual go unchecked in Washington. The campaign is energizing ordinary people to take action to change the direction of our country.

Among the crowd were students, grandmothers, policemen, firemen, teachers, lawyers, labor leaders and even an elected state legislator. The sea of supporters were of all races. What we seemed to have in common is a belief that each of us was important, each of our voices was significant, each of us was smart enough to make a difference.

I left the gathering with a renewed dedication to electing Barack because he is the right man for the job.

There is so much work to be done that we will all be asked to dig deep to raise money, recruit volunteers and spread the word. This will be a labor of love for those of us who want to see change in Washington.

The long hot summer has begun in Arizona but we will be walking. Thanks Buffy, we are behind you.

Barack Brings Hope of Unity

Michaele — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:26:24 EST

Barack is more than a rock star--he is a serious contender for the Democratic nomination. I met Barack when he came to Arizona in 2005 as the Keynote Speaker for the annual Arizona Democratic Party Fundraising dinner at the invitation of Harry Mitchell. I was impressed by his thoughts on changing the way Washington works. I heard him speak at fundraisers for Harry Mitchell and Jim Pederson in 2006. Then I read "The Audacity of Hope".

What strikes me most about Barack is how he embodies the charisma of Bobby Kennedy and Bill Clinton. His youth and idealism inspires me to dream of a better America and more peaceful world at a time when we have been taught to live in fear. I agree that we should seek the common good rather than play to special interest. I agree that our nation was better off when neighbor helped neighbor because we believed that we were our brother's keeper. I believe that the role of the greatest nation on earth is to spread our ideals by example not by force. I am more than ready to join him in transforming our nation into the most admired country in the world.

I keep reading his announcement speech and have mailed copies to my parents who do not use the web. I wear a Obama T-shirt or button and get into delighful converstaions with total strangers who want to know more about him. I tell them to read his books, visit his website and plan on attending an event if they can. I tell them that this election is too important for them to sit out. Our democracy will fail if we don't speak out before our party selects a candidate. I tell them to sacrafice a cup of coffee and dinner out to send a few dollars to the Obama campaign so that small donors count in this election. I tell them that if one million people send just $20,30,40 or 50 to a candidate, it will buy commerical TV time. I tell them that special interest groups and lobbyists select the president when we don't make contributions.

I am an optimist. I think that American voters will wake up and take this country back from the big businesses that write policy for the benefit of the richest people in America. I think that we can break the stranglehold that political machines and over-paid consultants have on the electoral process.

Barack Obama is the real deal for those of us who love our country and believe in the promises of the constitution. I think he can unify our country rather than polarize it. If the Democratic Party wants to win, it will support Barack Obama.